What Are the Side Effects of High Estrogen Levels?
According to Health-Science, estrogen is the group of steroidal hormones produced by ovaries that play an important role in a female's reproductive cycle as well as in developing and maintaining female sexual characteristics, such as breasts and menstruation.
According to Health-Science, estrogen is the group of steroidal hormones produced by ovaries that play an important role in a female's reproductive cycle as well as in developing and maintaining female sexual characteristics, such as breasts and menstruation. High estrogen levels are most common in a woman’s reproductive life during ovulation and pregnancy. The Natural-Hormones website reports that during pregnancy, the levels of estrogen can rise to 100 times their normal value. Some of the side effects of high estrogen levels are thyroid dysfunction, weight gain, low sex drive, fluid retention and breast cancer.
Thyroid Dysfunction
Thyroid dysfunction can result from high estrogen levels. The Native Remedies website reports that high levels of estrogen lead to excessive production of thyroid-binding globulin by the liver. This thyroid-binding globulin will bind more thyroid hormones and thereby reducing the free thyroid hormones available in blood. This decreases the amount of thyroid hormone that is available to cells, which need thyroid hormones for the body’s metabolism.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is a side effect of high estrogen levels. The Epigee website reports that high levels of estrogen can activate a woman’s appetite. This will lead to total body weight gain.
Low Sex Drive
Sex drive can be affected by high estrogen levels. According to Mayo Clinic, a high level of estrogen can weaken or completely curb the desire for sex. The excess level of estrogen also curbs a woman’s ability to have an orgasm, making sex less pleasurable.
Fluid Retention
Fluid retention can appear as a side effect of high estrogen levels. The Georgia Reproductive Specialists website reports that if estrogen levels rise excessively, then fluid retention may occur in the body. Fluid retention is the excess retention or accumulation of water and salts in the body, which generally occurs in areas like the abdomen, chest cavity and breasts.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a side effect of high estrogen levels. BreastCancer.org reports that a high level of estrogen is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The clear reason for this remains unknown.